Working Life: The care I received from a student nurse and colleagues was exceptional

Lorraine Clarke, director of education, policy and standards at the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)

Lorraine Clarke, Director of Education, Policy and Standards at the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI.) Picture: Moya Nolan

“People often say ‘You were born to be a nurse’, but that was never the plan. I grew up in South Armagh and had a strong interest in law and politics. Nursing wasn’t an obvious career choice, but after receiving an offer to train while I was on a working holiday in New York in 1991, I decided to pursue it.
“It has been an unexpected journey because, while I am and always will be a nurse, my role at the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) sits at the intersection of legislation, professional regulation, education and ethical standards.

“In 2007, I completed a master’s in healthcare ethics and law. Six years later, I joined an NMBI board committee, subsequently became a board member, then a professional officer, and now serve as director of education, policy and standards. In many ways, I’ve come full circle.